In the wake of the statement by the Pope today, David Clohessy
of St. Louis issued this statement. Clohessy is national director
of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation's
largest clergy abuse victims self-help group.

"Despite the horrific disclosures of the past few years, priests
accused of sexual abuse still enjoy excessive deference and are
often afforded every conceivable benefit of the doubt.

The job of protecting kids and removing abusive priests is far
from over. Our overwhelming focus must remain on protecting the
emotional, physical and spiritual safety of thousands of youngsters,
even over protecting the reputations of a few adults.

Certainly, in some dioceses, procedures need to be clarified and
streamlined, so that both the accused and the accusers are clear
on what steps will be taken when an allegation of sexual misconduct
is lodged against a cleric.

But we must keep our eyes on the prize - the well-being of Catholic
children.

We in SNAP know of at least 15 priests who currently face active
civil lawsuits yet remain in active parish ministry (including Boston
MA, St. Louis MO, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where six such
priests work and where SNAP members plan to leaflet this weekend.)

We know of several against whom civil lawsuits have been settled,
sometimes to the tune of six figures, yet remain in active parish
ministry (including Bridgeport CT, Owensboro KY)

We know of one who has twice been found guilty of indecent exposure,
yet remains a priest in good standing.

Every week we read of more allegations against priests, yet some
of their parishioners and brother priests immediately, publicly
and emphatically proclaim the accused cleric's innocence, rather
than keeping an open mind.

We hope that lay Catholics resist the temptation of false and premature
complacency. Kids are safest when molesters are behind bars and
when parents are vigilant.

As always, we urge abuse victims to break their silence, contact
the police and prosecutor (regardless of when the crimes happened)
and go to a therapist or support group get the healing the need
and deserve.